◄ What Does 1 Timothy 6:3 Mean? ►

There seems to be an increasing number of Christians in this Church dispensation who find part of the gospel of Christ unpalatable... refusing to use words like 'sin' and 'hell', 'repentance' and 'sacrifice' - for fear of offending anyone. Many like to speak forth their own supernaturally imparted 'wisdom' while denouncing the Word of God as an outdated historical document that is better left on the shelf for posterity.

Some like to focus on the love of God, preferring to pretend that the judgement of God is rather inappropriate to mention to non-believers or young Christians, in case they are offended. Others like to hide the shed blood of the slain Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins under the proverbial carpet, because they think that it is rather offensive. OR, alternatively, they teach of nothing but a dead Jesus without linking His sacrificial death to His glorious Resurrection and present-day ministry in heaven.

The full council of God, the deity of Christ, sound doctrine, the non-negotiable truth, the coming judgement, Christ as the one and only way to God, and repentance of sin, have been replaced with extra-biblical revelation, religious talk-shows, dreams and visions, ungodly worship, transcendental meditation, a desire for some self-induced emotional experiences, and a happy, prosperous life now.

Death to self, persevering in prayer, identification with Christ's suffering, and a life of sacrifice for the glory of God, has been replaced with enjoying your best life now, living for self, and making great spiritual proclamations and positive confessions (where self-incited 'faith' becomes a force that creates one's own reality, or commands God to carry out everything that you speak forth!!) This is not biblical Christianity.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul made it very clear that we are to preach the Word in season and out of season. He encouraged us to study the Scriptures to show ourselves approved unto God. He reminds us that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.

Yes - Scripture is God's method of teaching us sound doctrine and supplying biblically based truth. And Paul warns us to pay extra-special heed to sound doctrine and not to chase after the imaginations and proclamations of man.

Paul cautioned us that if ANYONE advocates a different doctrine that does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the doctrine of godliness which is laid out for us in the Word of God - it must be renounced, rejected, and exposed. Indeed, he describes such a man in very strong language in the following verses, "such a man is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicion and constant friction between men of depraved mind, who are deprived of the truth, and who suppose that godliness is a means of gain."

We live in a world where this attitude pervades and the sovereignty of God is blasphemed. The eternal deity of Christ as a member of the triune Godhead is renounced, the humanity of Jesus is mocked, and His substitutional death, burial, and Resurrection is belittled. We live in a world where prideful man is attempting to replace the sovereign God with prideful self - resulting in an explosion of satanic doctrines, new-age witchcraft, spurious spirituality, and false teachings which are flooding Christendom today.

THIS is why Paul gave such a stark warning that if ANYONE advocates a different doctrine, twists the truth, spiritualises Scripture, adds to or subtracts from the written Word of God, or says anything that does not agree with sound teaching in Scripture - it must be renounced. God has spoken to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. The doctrine conforming to godliness is clearly laid out in the written Word... and as God's born-again children we are to live godly in Christ Jesus - as laid out by the Word of truth.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the truths that it contains. As I study Scripture, I pray that You would give me wisdom to discern the purveyors of any false gospel. Keep me spiritually alert, so that I may quickly recognise anyone who advocates a different doctrine that does not agree with the written Word of God. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.